Babatunde Irukera, CEO of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has confirmed the release of a Nigerian lady, Chioma Egodi arrested over a review she gave for a product of Erisco Foods.

 

The lady was confirmed to have been released via a Twitter post made by Irukera on Tuesday.

 

In his tweet on the X (formerly Twitter) platform, he stated, “FURTHER UPDATE: Ms. Chioma has been released on bail. Mutual commitments by both parties before the Police (to which FCCPC is not party), but @fccpcnigeria investigation continuing regardless.”

Chioma Egodi was detained after publishing a tomato paste review criticized by Eriscofoods as misleading.

 

Eriscofoods management, in a statement, accused Egodi of attempting to tarnish the company’s reputation with her Facebook post. They explained, “Our initial reaction was to ignore and disregard the post, which was obviously intended to mislead our esteemed customers and discredit the image of Erisco Foods Limited, as previously instigated by some elements and syndicates who are uncomfortable with our increasing market dominance as a leading indigenous manufacturer of 100% natural tomato pastes.”

 

However, Irukera, in a statement on the X platform, reassured society that “fair expressions would no longer be subjected to law enforcement.” He added, “Grateful for the restoration of Ms. Egodi’s liberty, but determined to ensure we never walk this path again.

“Criminality in commerce is an exception. Our society cannot endure under the threat or fear that fair expressions, when properly so, can become subject to law enforcement.”

 

Responding to a user’s inquiry on the X platform, Irukera emphasized that the woman’s release was an initial but urgent step. He highlighted that the fundamental issues leading to her arrest still need attention, irrespective of whether she reaches a mutually amicable resolution with the company.

 

“Her release was just a preliminary but urgent step. The fundamental issues of how this occurred remain and require attention. It doesn’t even matter if she comes to a mutually amicable resolution with the company. The underlying principle must be addressed; and we will!”

 

FURTHER UPDATE: Ms. Chioma has been released on bail. Mutual commitments by both parties before the Police (to which FCCPC is not party), but @fccpcnigeria investigation continuing regardless.

— Babatunde Irukera (@TundeIrukera) September 26, 2023